Funding

The Cirdan Sailing Trust is partly self-funding through the income received from charter fees. Groups that sail with The Trust are encouraged to cover a realistic portion of the charter fee through their own internal budgets, leader and group fund raising, and individual contributions. Not only does this allow The Trust to operate its service, it also gives the young people ownership of the voyage.

Voyage Bursary Scheme

A fundamental part of our work is to raise funds for our Voyage Bursary Scheme to ensure the opportunity we provide is available to all who could benefit. The scheme raises funds through a variety of sources including grant making trusts, businesses and individuals which are then allocated out to client groups as bursaries in such a way that that individual donors can be linked to particular charters, groups or vessels. This enables us to provide the donor with feedback on the specific use of their money and allows them to monitor the effectiveness of their donation.

The scheme raises funds through a variety of sources including grant making trusts, businesses and individuals which are then allocated out to client groups as bursaries. For the majority of the groups that sail with the Trust, it would not be possible for them to undertake a voyage without this financial help.

Vessel refit projects

In addition to raising funds for the Voyage Bursary Scheme, the Trust also raises funds to cover additional and unexpected costs relating to vessel maintenance. The traditional style vessels we operate, whilst ideal for our work, are costly to maintain to the high standards required by the MCA. The yearly maintenance costs are budgeted into The Trust's operation but occasionally we are faced with unexpected costs or require the very large sums involved in major refitting or replacement.

During 2007, our Thames Barge Xylonite was withdrawn in preparation for a major refit to bring her to the high standard required of a Cirdan vessel. Initial estimates for this work are in excess of £300,000, all of which will have to be acquired trough fund raising initiatives.

Donations

If you would like to make a donation to the Trust and would like more information about our fund raising please do not hesitate to contact us.
See also Volunteers.

Membership

We do have a membership scheme for anyone who is interested in supporting our work. Membership is just £10 a year for which you will receive a Newsletter, updates on any major changes and details of any promotions or day sails.